The ‘phenomenal’ team at Fasken is regularly instructed by aerospace, telecoms, financial services, energy and logistics sectors for its labour and employment expertise. Core areas of expertise include contract review, training, hirings and dismissals, labour board proceedings and class action defence. Leadership of the group is shared between Vancouver-based David Wong, Toronto-based Shane Todd and Montreal-based Emilie Paquin-Holmested, all of whom specialize in labour, employment and human rights law. Also noted are Montreal-based Stéphane Fillion, praised for his ’great commercial sense' and 'pragmatic solutions’; Magali Cournoyer-Proulx (advisory employment work and litigation); and Deborah Furtado. In Toronto, Ontario managing partner Karen Sargeant; Alix Herber (‘practical and expedient advice'); Jackie VanDerMeulen (labour arbitrations, federal and provincial labour board matters); and counsel Brian Burkett are additional names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Stéphane Fillion is very efficient. He's very busy, but always finds a way to get things done and find an opening in his schedule. Has a great commercial sense and provides pragmatic solutions.'
- 'Deborah Furtado is always available, an absolute charm to work with. Great lawyer, precise and on point. Provides excellent advice.'
‘The Fasken employment team is phenomenal. The firm has adapted technology to allow us to easily share files for document disclosure.'
‘Our primary contact, David Wong is highly knowledgeable and an expert in his field. David is easily accessible and quick to respond.'
‘The profound knowledge of the team across Canada stands out. If someone is not available you have someone else to answer your question.’
‘The team assists when needed and triages issues to the appropriate partner. Their advice is practical and easy to implement.’
‘Alix Herber provides practical and expedient advice. She is very thoughtful with her approach and provides insight into relevant laws and risks. Marc Rodrigue goes above and beyond when you need something urgently - he will step in and assist.'
Key clients
- Air Canada
- Vancouver Canucks Limited Partnership
- Toronto-Dominion Bank
- Rogers Communications
- British Columbia Housing Management Commission
- Canadian Olympic Committee
- Canadian Pacific Railway Company
- Ontario School Board
- Canadian Universities: Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, College of New Caledonia, Coast Mountain College, Northern Lights College
Work highlights
- Assisted the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee with employment matters.
- Assisted as primary outside counsel to Canadian Pacific Kansas City on labour and employment matters across Canada.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stéphane Fillion
Fasken
Magali Cournoyer-Proulx
FaskenNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Wong, Shane Todd, Emilie Paquin-Holmested